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This weekend's predictions!

It is that time of week where PR puts its head on the chopping block with our predictions.

It is that time of week where we put our head on the chopping block with Planet Rugby's weekend predictions.

With the Rugby Championship taking a week off, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday is all about the Top 14, Currie Cup and ITM Cup competitions.

Our team at Planet Rugby have put their heads together to bring you calls for the action, with big games going on in Clermont, Paris and Pretoria.

Top 14

Friday's big game in the Top 14 sees Montpellier travel to Clermont, a place where they have struggled in the past. Still, the 12-point handicap seems a little large, and Montpol have sent all the big guns for this game so we feel they might have enough to keep it close.

On the Saturday there's money to be made in Grenoble and at Racing-Metro with both visiting sides taking on understrength opposition.

Bordeaux don't have the depth to cover for too much squad rotation, and Grenoble -7 looks like it should come in.

And the big evening game between Racing and Toulon is another great opportunity to earn some cash. It's dangerous to ever bet against the European champions, but this game clearly isn't a priority for Toulon, with Matt Giteau the key absentee.

Despite that rotation, there's just a three-point handicap, which looks too good to pass up.

Currie Cup

The Pumas can be mighty proud of their two wins from three record and such is their form that only a +6 handicap against the Sharks is given. However, we fancy that the men from Durban will have too much fire-power at their disposal and should cover that margin.

Saturday sees the Griquas host the Free State Cheetahs and much like the previous day we believe the visitors are the stronger and should win, as the likes of Rayno Benjamin, Sarel Pretorius, Jean Cook and Raymond Rhule could well see them prevail by 1-10 points.

Despite no chance of rain, don't expect a great deal of points to be scored in the Blue Bulls versus Western Province fixture as these two sides will be determined to win the physical before using the backs. The net result will see a tight game but one WP should win by 6-10.

ITM Cup

Auckland are boosted by the return of trio Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Charles Piutau from All Black duty for their clash with the as yet unbeaten Tasman Makos. This all Premiership affair is arguably the pick of the ITM Cup round and one that won't disappoint.

Sunday's hosts bounced back from their opening loss to Canterbury with a 35-7 win over Manawatu last week and finally playing at Eden Park is going to be a huge psychological fillip for the visit of the Makos. We're going for Piutau to enjoy his return and score at 12/5.